How much does it cost to get in alignment?

What is a wheel alignment?

Alignment actually refers to the adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension – not just the wheels – and is designed to alter the angles of the wheels to produce the optimum contact between the vehicle’s tyres and the road.

It is quite a complicated procedure and involves perfecting a set of four separate angles known as camber, toe, caster and thrust.

1. CAMBER: Camber refers to the angle of the tyre when viewed from the front of the car. If tyres are angled too far in or out, this tilt, or camber, means they will need to be adjusted.

2. TOE: Toe alignment is the degree to which your tyres, when viewed from above, are angled inward or outward. Either way, they will require adjustment.

3. CASTER: Caster refers to the steering axis when the vehicle is viewed from the side, and specifically how far forward or behind the steering axis is to the vertical axis (the vertical axis being 90 degrees to the road surface).

Positive caster means the steering axis is tilted toward the driver. Negative caster means the steering axis is tilted toward the front of the car.

4: THRUST: The thrust angle is the angle of the rear axle in relation to the centreline of the vehicle. Checking the thrust angle will also reveal whether the rear axle is parallel to the front axle.
All these components and their angles will be adjusted to bring your vehicle back to its factory settings.

Symptoms of needing a wheel alignment

• Steering wheel is off centre
• Vehicle pulls to one side
• Uneven tyre wear
• Steering wheel does not return to centre after turning
• Handling feels loose

How is a wheel alignment performed?

A wheel alignment means bringing the car's suspension into its proper configuration.

To do that correctly will require the knowledge of an experienced mechanic and the use of an alignment machine.

An alignment machine includes devices that are clamped to the wheels of the car and which make precise measurements that assist the mechanic to make adjustments to correct the camber, toe, caster and thrust angles.

Tips to remember

• If your vehicle need a wheel alignment, then it would be wise to also consider other tyre and wheel checks. These include wheel balancing and, perhaps, tyre rotation. The need for a wheel alignment likely means the tread on your tyres is worn and uneven. New tyres may be required.

• It would also be wise to check suspension components for wear before carrying out a wheel alignment, as worn components may affect tyre wear and handling characteristics.

Why is it important to have your wheels aligned?

Incorrect wheel alignment can cause a number of issues that are potentially dangerous, including wear and tear to components of the suspension system and to tyre tread.

Uneven tread wear on tyres reduces their performance and ability to grip the road – a potentially serious safety problem. 

How much does it cost for a Wheel Alignment?

$50 - $150

When a vehicle rolls off the assembly line, its wheels are parallel with one another and perpendicular to the road. Over time, the suspension may shift, moving the wheels out of alignment. Wheel alignment prices in Australia range from $50 for smaller vehicles to $150 for large ones.

Simply using a vehicle can cause the wheels to go out of alignment. How fast this happens depends on the conditions of the roads you frequent and the integrity of the vehicle. A single incident, such as a fender bender, can shift the wheels. You may not even remember hitting a pothole too hard or bumping into a kerb, but that one act did damage that only an alignment can correct.

Manufacturer handbooks recommend checking your alignment every 10,000 km or 6 months. This doesn’t mean you have to absorb a wheel alignment cost twice a year. It just means you should utilise regular service visits for alignment checks.

Mechanical parts are stressed when a car is repeatedly driven while out of alignment. It can affect the steering, suspension components, transmission and tyres. In fact, the tyres may have uneven wear patterns, a tell-tale sign of suspension or alignment problems. After an accident, drivers should have the alignment checked as soon as possible.

Having your alignment checked regularly by a qualified mechanic can prevent bigger problems. If you do need a realignment, you are catching it before it can cause significant damage. Therefore, it shouldn’t cost more than the basic fee.

When an alignment becomes a big expense, it is due to a larger repair issue. You may need to replace worn tyres or have the steering or suspension fixed. It may affect your transmission, pushing the price into the thousands.

Wheel Alignment

You can expect to pay around $50 for a regular car, but the price may go up to $120 or even $150 for a more complicated 4WD vehicle. Today’s alignments are very scientific. They involve a state-of-the-art machine that helps the mechanic achieve real precision. When finished, the wheels are once again parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road.

Wheel Balancing

The wheel balancing cost is similar. You can expect to pay about $50 or more. Special machinery is involved, which often means that the process is offered at a fixed price. However, if you combine it with an alignment, you may be able to get the two services for the price of one. Mechanics use a computer balancing machine that calculates the weight of the tyre and wheel. Counterweights are used to achieve an even balance.

Wheel alignment and balancing cost tends to be fixed due to the fact that they require specific machinery. You may find some price difference in rural areas, but the expense of modern equipment often sets a market price. Based on cities, Oneflare customers have received the following quotes for wheel alignments and wheel-related services: 

If you are setting a budget for repair, you can get personalised quotes for an alignment. The auto-alignment cost will be specific to your geographic area and your make and model. If you are noticing uneven tyre wear or you have had an accident, you should act quickly to avoid additional damage.

Not every shop has the machinery necessary to perform an alignment or balancing. Before hiring a mechanic, make sure the workshop has modern equipment that can handle your size vehicle. You should also make sure a certified mechanic will be working on your car. Finally, you should ask about their experience with your model brand and style.

Tip #1: It is recommended to get an alignment check whenever your car is in for routine maintenance to save money. A mechanic can check your tyres for signs of uneven wear. They can help you keep track of the condition of your tyres and recommend timely replacement.

Tip #2: If your car is under warranty, your manufacturer may include these items in your scheduled maintenance. For a flat fee, some workshops can offer a regular maintenance plan that includes these items. You can expect these to start around $180, but they will include many services.

Tip #3: There is no point in getting an alignment before you replace bad tyres. Thus, if you are buying new tyres due to alignment issues, you can save money by combining the alignment and balancing with the new tyre purchase. Ask your mechanic if these services are complimentary with the purchase of four tyres.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

FAQ

Asilo's Mechanic Job

Location PinSouth East Melbourne, VIC

Problem

Loud noise after wheel alignment

Job type

Service of wheel alignment

Car condition

Runs normally after loud noise

$89inc. gst

Quoted by Safe Lube Mobile Mechanics

Maxine's Mechanic Job

Location PinIpswich, QLD

Problem

Wheel bearing affecting driving

Job type

Wheel bearing service

Location of car

Front driver-side

$185inc. gst

Quoted by Automobile Magic Qld

Elise's Mechanic Job

Location PinPerth, WA

Problem

Wheel bearing affecting driving

Job type

Wheel bearing service

Location of car

Rear left-side

$175inc. gst

Quoted by Perth Auto Care

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